Humane Society in Wickenburg?

By Janet DelTufo, Staff Writer

Elizabeth Powell and Natalee Rallo would like concerned citizens to join them in a public meeting to discuss creating a non-profit organization promoting animal welfare and providing an animal shelter for Wickenburg and the surrounding area.

The organizational meeting will take place at the Vulture Peak Middle School library on Wednesday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Anyone who cares about animals is welcome and urged to attend.

"The public's ideas, opinions, and input are needed," said Powell, who is hoping to attract a large crowd for Wednesday evening's meeting. She has been placing flyers in local businesses and calling on friends.

"Wickenburg loves its animals," she added. "And we need to show them how much by giving them a voice."

Powell and Rallo, who will meet for the first time this week, independently expressed their wishes to see changes in the way stray animals are treated in Wickenburg. They are both willing to give of their time in order to help transform the current system.

Last month, Rallo contacted the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) regarding the procedure for creating a non-profit organization. She decided to take action after learning that stray cats in the area are basically left to fend for themselves unless they are sick or injured.

Rallo said in her home state of Colorado, there is a Humane Society in every town. She said Wickenburg needs a stronger program in place.

Presently, the town provides payment to the Bar S Animal Clinic for the care and treatment of stray animals for up to three days. After three days, due to budget restraints, the animal is put to sleep if it is not claimed by its owner or adopted by a new family.

For several years, Bar S Animal Clinic owner Dr. Rick Regusa has absorbed the cost of keeping stray animals alive beyond the three-day limit given by the town. It should be noted that the Bar S is not a shelter, but is a private veterinary clinic.

Powell's interest in an animal shelter had been brewing and surfaced after she read a recent story in The Wickenburg Sun about 10 dogs that were facing euthanasia. A teary-eyed day led her to seek out others who shared her concerns.

Apparently there are several groups of individuals who have at one time or another pondered the idea of creating a better environment for Wickenburg's stray dogs and cats. The process can be somewhat daunting, which is why Powell and Rallo would like to see as many people as possible at next week's meeting.

Locally there is a spay-neuter organization, but Powell and Rallo say the community needs to come together and do more to provide stray animals with food, shelter, and medical care.

Those attending the meeting will be asked to fill out an information card with contact information, as well as areas of expertise. Rallo and Powell hope that the information they receive will assist them in forming committees and see where each individual would be best suited to help.

Anyone with experience in setting up non-profit organizations is encouraged to lend a helping hand.

For more information, contact Liz Powell at 684-6700 or 684-7926.

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